The 15th China International Optoelectronic Exposition opens today featuring a fascinating look at the future of light applications

SHENZHEN, China, September 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The 15^th China International Optoelectronic Exposition (CIOE) opens today and runs through Sept. 7 at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center. CIOE plays host to the world's largest gathering of optoelectronics vendors and buyers, and features more than 3,200 exhibitors covering a total exhibition space of 110,000 square meters, a 10 percent increase from the 2012 event.

The show consists of four concurrent expositions: Optical Communications Expo, Lasers and Infrared Applications Expo, Precision Optics Expo, and LED Tech China, and is expected to draw a record number of local and overseas visitors this year.

"Over the past 15 years, China's optoelectronics industry has developed from modest beginnings into the major world player that it is today. We are very proud of the contribution CIOE has made. As the first optoelectronics show in China, it has played a significant role in the important development of this critical industry. We will continue to develop this important event, and provide every support to global optoelectronics buyers and suppliers in this essential industry," said Merle A. Hinrich, Global Sources' Executive Chairman.

As part of its 15^th anniversary, CIOE will host a gala banquet to acknowledge the contribution of key industry professional throughout the years. Distinguished Contribution Awards will also be presented to outstanding industry players to honor their excellent achievements and contribution to the rapid development of the China optoelectronics industry.

Secretary General of CIOE, Professor Yang Xiancheng, said: "CIOE is a truly open and international platform for optoelectronics industry players worldwide to share ideas and exchange views. Every year, our event brings state-of-the-art technologies and products to global opto technologists. This year, the event plays host to over 200 technology seminars sessions and buyer events, which will address current challenges facing the industry as well as explore future technologies, market trends and opportunities."

CIOE features thousands of exhibits in the fields of optical communications, laser production technology and applications, LED semiconductor lightings and displays, infrared and T&M technology, machine vision, and optical materials, components and equipment.

Vendors from Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, USA, Hong Kong and Taiwan are participating in the international pavilions. Important overseas industry organizations such as the Optics and Photonics Society of Singapore (OPSS) and the Communications & Manufacturing Association of India (CMAI) also have key participation.

A key highlight at the 2013 show is the LED Lighting Experience Hall, featuring a futuristic look at the possibilities of LED applications.

Held concurrently with the expo, the China International Optoelectronic Conference (CIOEC) series includes:

• China Optical Communication Technology and Development Forum 2013
• China International Advanced Optical Manufacturing and Precision Engineering Forum 2013
• International Seminar 2013 on Fiber Sensors and Fiber Lasers
• LED Technology and Development Forum 2013
• Mobile Internet and Internet of Things Industry Innovation Forum 2013

Global Sources (NASDAQ: GSOL) is CIOE's international strategic partner. CIOE is the largest optoelectronics event in the world drawing thousands of exhibitors and visitors annually. Attendance is free for trade visitors. For more details on CIOE, please visit http://www.cioe.cn.

About Global Sources

Global Sources is a leading business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with Greater China.

The core business facilitates trade between Asia and the world using English-language media such as online marketplaces (GlobalSources.com), print and digital magazines, sourcing research reports, private sourcing events, and trade shows.

More than 1 million international buyers, including 95 of the world's top 100 retailers, use these services to obtain product and company information to help them source more profitably from overseas supply markets. These services also provide suppliers with integrated marketing solutions to build corporate image, generate sales leads and win orders from buyers in more than 240 countries and territories.

Global Sources' other businesses provide Chinese-language media to companies selling to and within Greater China. These services include online web sites, print and digital magazines, seminars and trade shows. In mainland China, Global Sources has a network of more than 30 office locations and a community of more than 4 million registered online users and magazine readers of its Chinese-language media.

Now in its fifth decade, Global Sources has been publicly listed on the NASDAQ since 2000.

About China International Optoelectronic Exposition

The China International Optoelectronic Exposition (CIOE) is a worldwide renowned exhibition, which presents the most advanced optoelectronic technologies and innovations. CIOE was established in 1999 in Shenzhen. This event has been held annually for the past 14 years at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center. The total exhibition space for 2013 event is about 110,000 square meters. As the world's largest optoelectronic industry expo, it has been a UFI-approved event since 2007. For more details on CIOE, please visit http://www.cioe.cn.